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West activated from 60-day DL; Baker designated

West activated from 60-day DL; Baker designated

8/25/13: Jeff Baker rips a two-run shot just over the wall in right off John Danks to tie the game at 2 in the fourth

By T.R. Sullivan
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MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers activated pitcher Matt West off the 60-day disabled list and designated infielder Jeff Baker for assignment.

Baker is eligible for free agency after the World Series, so this is just a procedural move to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for West. Baker will likely refuse outright assignment to Triple-A Round Rock and become a free agent three weeks earlier than expected.

The move allows West to pitch for the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League. He joins pitchers Nick McBride, Ryan Harvey and Will Lamb; catcher Jorge Alfaro and infielders Ryan Rua and Brett Nicholas as the Rangers representatives in the AFL, which began play on Tuesday.

West missed almost the entire season while recovering from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery and made just one appearance on rehab assignment for the Arizona Rookie League Rangers. He has been pitching in instructional league.

West was the Rangers second round Draft pick in 2007 out of Houston Bellaire High. He was drafted as an infielder, but switched to pitcher in 2011. The Rangers were impressed with his progress and protected him on the 40-man roster after the 2011 season. But his progress was cut short by an elbow injury that ultimately required Tommy John surgery on Aug. 22, 2012.

Baker appeared in 74 games as a utility player in 2013, hitting .279 with 11 home runs and 21 RBIs in 175 plate appearances. He hit .314 with a .667 slugging percentage against left-handers, but was limited because of a strained right groin muscle.

The Rangers still have two players on the 60-day disabled list. Matt Harrison will have to be added to the 40-man roster at some point while Colby Lewis is headed for free agency.

Gentry named Player of the Month
Outfielder Craig Gentry was named the Rangers Player of the Month for September. Gentry batted .354 (23-65) last month with 10 stolen bases, 10 runs, two doubles, a triple, five RBIs and four walks. His 10 steals in September were tied for the American League lead, while the .354 average ranked second in the league.